The VRC has signed a long-term deal with Sky Sports Racing which will see it broadcast the Melbourne Cup Carnival exclusively in the UK and Ireland.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival attracts huge crowds of more than 310,000 over the four days each year and is recognised as the highlight of the Australian racing calendar.

The deal with Sky Sports Racing covers all four days of the Carnival including AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Kennedy Oaks Day and Stakes Day as well as Lexus Melbourne Cup Day. Sky Sports Racing will also have on track exclusivity among UK and Ireland broadcasters.

The British Isles have held a long association with the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Ireland’s Vintage Crop became the first northern-hemisphere trained horse to win the great race back in 1993, sparking a phenomenon of incredible internationalisation of the world’s richest two mile race.

Last year, seven Irish-trained horses and four UK-trained horses competed in the Cup, with Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien becoming, at 24, the youngest winning trainer in the history of the Melbourne Cup thanks to the success of his horse, Rekindling.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said:

“Sky Sports Racing will be a great new home for the Melbourne Cup Carnival in the UK and Ireland. We are very pleased that Sky will be supporting one of the largest racing events in the world and we look forward to working with them to showcase the racing and theatre of the Carnival across the four days. Positioning the Lexus Melbourne Cup and our other world-class races during Cup Week alongside Sky’s other premium global sporting events will support the increasing global awareness of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”

At The Races Chief Executive Matthew Imi said:

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious and famous races anywhere in the world and we are delighted to start this important new partnership with VRC. This agreement covers not just the Cup race but the whole Carnival across four spectacular days and we will aim to maximise its exposure and convey the excitement of the week across our broadcast, digital and social channels.”